6 Churches to Explore in Shropshire

The church of St Mary's is one of the tallest in England and for over 500 years it has dominated the skyline of Shrewsbury's old town. The church is now the only complete medieval church in Shrewsbury. It dates from Saxon times and has beautiful additions from the twelfth-century onwards. It was now one of the iconic attraction in this area as well as a pilgrimage site.

Haughmond Abbey is a ruined 12th-century Augustinian abbey in a lovely rural setting. The abbey roots go back to the 11th century when a small religious community was established here. The buildings fell into disrepair and the church was largely destroyed, although the remains of some of the domestic buildings remain impressive. The site is now in the care of English Heritage and is open to the public during the summer.

Lilleshall Abbey was founded in about 1148 for a community of Augustinian canons. By the late 13th century, it had become a religious house of great reputation and prestige. In the 14th century, however, a financial crisis contributed to a gradual dwindling of the community. After the abbey was suppressed in 1538, it was converted into a private house. The buildings were severely damaged in the Civil War during a Parliamentarian siege, but the extensive sandstone remains still give an impression

St Chad's Church is renowned for its rich history, military links, iconic Georgian architecture and varied music programme including popular free Friday lunchtime concerts. It is an inclusive church making everyone welcome especially children and young families. As a Fair Trade church, it supports Fair Trade in the world and social with strong support for organisations such as Amnesty International.

Shrewsbury Abbey, also known as the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, is located to the east of the town centre on the site of an earlier wooden Saxon church. It was founded in 1083 by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury as a Benedictine Monastery. It grew to be one of the most important and influential abbeys in England, and an important centre of pilgrimage. Although much of the Abbey was destroyed in the 16th century, the nave survived as a parish church, and today serves as the mother

One of the truly outstanding medieval town churches in England. Its benefice is united with those of St Michael and All Angels, All Stretton, and All Saints, Little Stretton to form the parish of Church Stretton. The church is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building.